Crocker Wind Farm, commissioned in 2019, contributes a noteworthy 200 MW to the national grid, ranking it as the 1382nd largest power generation facility in the United States and the 147th largest wind plant. With a share of just 0.01% of the total national capacity of 1,386,385 MW, it plays a modest role in the broader context of U.S. energy production, which is predominantly fueled by natural gas. Located in an area with limited nearby competition, Crocker Wind Farm stands apart with only a few facilities within a 50-kilometer radius, including the Groton Generating Station, a gas plant with a capacity of 188.5 MW, and the Day County Wind LLC, which has a smaller capacity of 99 MW. This isolation emphasizes Crocker's potential to be a key player in South Dakota's energy landscape. Utilizing state-of-the-art turbine technology, the wind farm captures wind energy efficiently, converting it into clean electricity that supports both local and regional grids. In a country where gas remains the leading energy source, the presence of facilities like Crocker Wind Farm is vital for diversifying the energy mix, especially in a state that is gradually embracing renewable resources. Owned and operated by Crocker Wind Farm LLC, this facility not only demonstrates the feasibility of wind energy in rural settings but also contributes to the environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions. As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to rise, the significance of wind farms like Crocker will likely increase, paving the way for future developments in sustainable energy generation.
7 years old
United States of America, North America
- Primary Fuel Type
- Wind
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
United States of America- Continent
- North America
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
United States of America — Energy ProfileWind power generation harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity, making it one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources globally. This process begins with wind turbines, which consist of large blades mounted on a tower. As the wind blows, it causes the blades to rotate, transforming the wind's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy through a generator connected to the turbine. The efficiency of wind turbines has significantly improved over the past decades, with modern designs capable of generating power even at low wind speeds.
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